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  • MHAST Program Expands Behavioral Health Crisis Response Across Broome County with New Mobile Crisis Van

    $1 Million Annual Investment Expands Community-Based Behavioral Health Crisis Response Across Broome County

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County, the City of Binghamton, and the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier (MHAST) today highlighted the expansion of MHAST’s Mobile Crisis Program, which is bringing increased behavioral health crisis response directly into communities across Broome County.

    The expanded program officially took effect April 1, 2026, through a new five-year funding award totaling $1 million annually, with funding provided by Broome County. The investment has allowed MHAST to significantly increase staffing and response capacity, including two-person response teams and dedicated Mobile Crisis vehicles.

    Mobile Crisis operates seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., providing community-based behavioral health crisis response for individuals experiencing a crisis. Trained crisis staff respond directly to individuals where they are and provide crisis assessment, de-escalation and stabilization, safety planning, linkage to services, and coordination with community providers and emergency services as needed.

    The expansion is also reflected in the new Mobile Crisis vehicle now being deployed throughout the community. The City of Binghamton provided $100,000 in funding to support the upfitting of the Mobile Crisis van, helping MHAST build the infrastructure needed to expand its response.

    The expansion represents an important part of Broome County’s broader behavioral health crisis continuum, providing another option for individuals experiencing a crisis and helping connect them with appropriate care in the community.

    MHAST is also continuing work on its soon to be open Crisis Stabilization Center, which will provide an additional resource for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

    “When someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, getting them the right help at the right time can make all the difference,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This investment allows MHAST to put trained professionals directly in our communities, where they can respond to people in crisis, help stabilize the situation, and connect them with the care they need. We’re proud to make this kind of investment in our community and to work with MHAST and the City of Binghamton to strengthen the behavioral health crisis system across Broome County.”

    City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said, “Today marks an important step forward in expanding mental health services for Binghamton and the Southern Tier. The City’s investment in the mobile crisis team will help ensure residents in crisis receive support quickly, safely and conveniently. Binghamton is proud to partner with MHAST to deliver these critical resources that our community needs and deserves.”

    “This expansion allows us to bring crisis services directly to people where they are,” said Kaitlyn Andrews, MHAST Executive Director. “It also gives our community more options for support when they need them most. We’re incredibly grateful for the investment of Broome County and the City of Binghamton, and for the strong partnerships with law enforcement and others across our community that make this work possible”

    “When someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, it is essential that they can access the right care at the right time. The expansion of MHAST’s Mobile Crisis Program strengthens our crisis continuum and allows us to bring support directly to individuals in the community, helping connect them to the services and resources they need,” said Liz Warneck, Commissioner of the Broome County Department of Mental Health.

  • Scarecrow Display & Contest Returns to Otsiningo Park

    October 1st -23rd

    (TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) – Fall is just around the corner, and the scarecrows are coming back! The Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the return of the 11th Annual Scarecrow Display & Contest at Otsiningo Park.

    From October 1 through October 23, Otsiningo Park will be filled with creative, colorful, and imaginative scarecrows as individuals, families, businesses, clubs, groups, and organizations compete for the chance to be named one of the park’s favorite scarecrows.

    Participation is FREE, and everyone is encouraged to join in the fall fun. Whether you’re looking to create a traditional scarecrow, a funny character, or something completely unique, the contest is a great opportunity to show off your creativity and celebrate the season.

    Important Dates:

    • September 24, 2026: Entry forms due
    • October 1, 2026: Scarecrows must be completed at Otsiningo Park; voting begins
    • October 23, 2026: Voting ends

    Entry forms and additional information are available at https://broomecountyny.gov/parks/events/scarecrowcontest

    For more information, contact Broome County Parks at (607) 778-2193.

    Get creative, get crafty, and help us fill Otsiningo Park with scarecrow fun this fall!

  • Broome County Highway Work Planned for Week of 8/31

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The following work is scheduled on Broome County roadways beginning Monday, August 31st.

    • Paving on Pierce Creek Road – County Route 141 – from Saddlemire Road to Conklin Forks / Brady Hill Road
    • Cleaning ditches on Nanticoke Drive, Powers Road, Crocker Hill Road & Old Route 17
    • Surface treatment work on
      • Broome Corporate Parkway – County Route 197 – from NYS Route 7 to Powers Road
      • Saddlemire Road – County Route 125 – from Pennsylvania Ave to Pierce Creek Road
      • Edson Road – County Route 016 – from NYS Route 79 to Piper Hill Road
    • Culvert work on Old Route 17, Crocker Hill Road, Ballyhack Road & East Maine Road.
    • Blacktop repairs & patching on Bunn Hill Road
    • Mowing the right of way on county roadways
    • Painting various county roadways

  • Broome County Highway Work Planned for Week of 8/24

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The following work is scheduled on Broome County roadways beginning Monday, August 24th.

    • Cleaning ditches on Old Newark Valley Road, Hawleyton Road & Beartown Road
    • Culvert work on Pagebrook Road, Knapp Hill Road & Airport Road
    • Asphalt surface treatment on Broome Corporate Parkway – From Powers Road to NYS Route 7
    • Mowing the right of way on county roadways
    • Painting various county roadways

    A major milling and paving project will continue on Taft Avenue – County Route 029 – from Country Club Road to Twist Run Road. Motorists should expect delays, seek alternate routes, and remember to slow down in work zones.

  • Examination Date: 11/7/26 Last Date to File: 9/4/26

  • Bridge Opening Delayed on CR 20 in Kirkwood

    (TOWN OF KIRKWOOD, NY) – The Broome County Department of Public Works is advising motorists that the reopening of the three County Route 20 bridges in the Town of Kirkwood has been delayed due to a delay in receiving materials needed to complete the project.

    The bridges, which were previously scheduled to reopen to traffic on September 1, are now expected to reopen by the end of the day on Wednesday, September 9.

    The three bridges being rehabilitated are:

    1. CR 20 over Susquehanna River/Norfolk Southern Railroad
    2. CR 20 over NYS&W Railroad
    3. CR 20 over Main Street (Kirkwood)

    Once the bridges reopen, intermittent single-lane closures will continue as work is completed.

    The overall project remains on schedule for completion in October 2026.

    Broome County thanks motorists, residents, businesses, and municipalities for their continued patience while this important bridge rehabilitation project is completed.

  • Broome County Highway Work Planned for Week of 8/17

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The following work is scheduled on Broome County roadways beginning Monday, August 17th.

    • Cleaning ditches on Old Newark Valley Road & Ouaquaga Road
    • Culvert work on Airport Road (Chenango Bridge) & Knapp Hill Road
    • Blacktop patching on Hawleyton Road / Pennsylvania Ave
    • Mowing the right of way on county roadways
    • Painting various county roadways

    A major milling and paving project will take place on Taft Avenue – County Route 029 – from Country Club Road to Twist Run Road. Motorists should expect delays, seek alternate routes, and remember to slow down in work zones.

  • Broome County Health Department Gives Reminder about Measles Symptoms and Immunization

    Know the Symptoms and Check your Status

     

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY)- The Broome County Health Department (BCHD) urges residents to review their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status and take precautions to help prevent the spread of measles. There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Broome County, although cases have been reported in surrounding counties.

    Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread easily from person to person. Symptoms typically begin 7–14 days after exposure to someone with measles and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two to three days after symptoms begin, an infected person may develop tiny white spots (Koplik spots) that appear inside the mouth. The measles rash appears 3-5 days after the first set of symptoms. The rash typically begins on the face before spreading down to the rest of the body. Some individuals may develop other health complications like diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis and require hospitalization. Measles infections may also cause a person’s immune system to reset, hurting their ability to fight off other infections.

    Measles can resemble other common illnesses. It is important to recognize the symptoms and take appropriate precautions. Individuals who develop symptoms and have known exposure to a measles case should contact their local health department or healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility to help prevent exposures and potential spread. Depending on an individual’s vaccination status and evidence of immunity, they may be advised to monitor for symptoms and follow public health guidance regarding quarantining for 21 days after exposure. People born before 1957 are likely to be immune from previous exposure. Individuals with written documentation of two valid doses of MMR vaccine are considered to have immunity against measles. Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure with the MMR vaccine may provide protection against measles for those without evidence of immunity.

    If you have never been vaccinated for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), or are unsure of your status, check with your healthcare provider about getting the MMR vaccine. This vaccine has been given for over 50 years and is the best protection we have against measles. Children should receive their first dose between 12-15 months and their second dose between 4-6 years. If you are missing a dose, it is never too late to catch up.

  • BCHD Holds Info Sessions for Lead Rental Registry

    Broome County Health Department (BCHD) is holding information sessions for the Lead Rental Registry. The Lead Rental Registry is a new program launched by New York State Department of Health in 20 counties across New York, including Broome County. This program applies to all properties built before 1980 with 2 or more units within the City of Binghamton ZIP codes 13901 and 13905. Applicable properties must be inspected for lead every three years. If lead hazards are found, they must be fixed by the property owner.

    The information sessions will all take place at Broome County Public Library in the Decker Room (185 Court Street Binghamton, NY 13901). Info sessions will be one hour long. The dates and times are:

    – Monday, August 17 at 5:30pm

    – Tuesday, August 18 at 11am

    – Wednesday, August 26 at 5:30pm

    – Friday, August 28 at 11am

    BCHD welcomes community members to attend the information sessions to learn more about the program. Residents of the neighborhoods where inspections take place are especially encouraged to attend. For those who cannot attend, a recorded information session will be posted online at a later date on this webpage: www.broomecountyny.gov/hd/rentalregistry

    For questions about the information sessions or the Lead Rental Registry, visit www.broomecountyny.gov/hd/rentalregistry, call 607-778-2863, or email lrr@broomecountyny.gov.

  • 2026 Broome County Parks Beach Bash

    (TOWN OF COLESVILLE, NY) – The Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to invite the community to the 5th Annual Beach Bash on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Nathaniel Cole Park. This free, family-friendly celebration begins at 2:00 p.m. and offers an afternoon and evening packed with entertainment, recreation, and summer fun.

    Guests can enjoy swimming, boating, beach games, food, beverages, and interactive activities with local organizations throughout the day. Cornell Cooperative Extension will also host its popular Frog and Toad Jumping Contest from 3pm-4pm and 5pm-6:30pm, giving families another fun activity to enjoy.

    Live entertainment kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with local favorite The Bro Bro’s. Additional attractions include illusionist David Black at 7p.m., a balloon artist, and inflatable games and yard for children of all ages. As the sun sets, Broome County Parks staff will light beachside fire pits, where visitors can gather to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display over the water at dusk.

    A variety of food vendors will be on site serving hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, funnel cakes, ice cream, popcorn, lemonade, and more. Vendors include Gramp’s Food Truck, Downtown Danny’s, Here’s the Twist Ice Cream, Pit Stop Popcorn, and the Nathaniel Cole Park Concession Stand. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own charcoal, lighter, and food to enjoy the park’s public grills.

    Parking at Nathaniel Cole Park is free. To make transportation even easier, BC Transit will offer complimentary shuttle service between Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton and Nathaniel Cole Park throughout the afternoon and evening.

    Shuttle Departure Times from Visions Veterans Memorial Arena:

    2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

    Return Trips from Nathaniel Cole Park:

    3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.

    Whether you’re coming for the beach, the live music, the family activities, or the fireworks, the 5th Annual Beach Bash promises an unforgettable day of fun for all ages. For additional information, visit www.gobroomecounty.com/beachbash.